Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, Jul 22: In the pious month of Aati, Srimanta Raja Guliga Kshetra, Moodumane Guttu Bandale, Pachanady held 'Aatid Onji Dina' led by Sathish Bandale. The event, themed around Aati month's traditional foods and their customs and traditions, took place on Sunday, July 21, at the Sri Srimanta Raja Guliga Kshetra premises.
Sri Sri Esha Vittaldas Swamiji of Kemar Math graced the occasion, stating, "This is my fourth time attending this event, and I appreciate those who serve the poor and bring smiles to people’s faces. Even during COVID, I attended this event, witnessing the visible help provided here. Serving the poor is a service to God. Society is not bad; we need to support it. Years ago, when no one knew me, Walter Nandalike supported me through his website and took me to Dubai. The Catholic community in Dubai supported and cared for me greatly. Walter Nandalike is making everyone smile, and making people happy is God’s work. We have gathered here for Guru Poornima. Nowadays, Google has all the answers, but it cannot tell you who you are, that is the work of a real Guru."
He further added, "Our Aati culture is very rich, and many have gathered here to offer food to their ancestors. Even Mughal rulers appreciated this culture during their reign. When a British officer asked Sardar Vallabhai Patel about our culture, he said agriculture is our culture. Today, there are no farmers. In Bengaluru, a mall stopped a farmer from entering, and U T Khader said action should be taken. I congratulate him because insulting a farmer or soldier should not be tolerated. We should support farmers and soldiers. Youths today have no idea about their idols and the qualities they should have. Mother Teresa once said that she would rather be with the poor and wipe their tears than be safe in a rich man's house. Children should learn about our rich tradition and culture, and we should teach them positivity and keep them away from mobiles."
Walter Nandalike, managing director of Daijiworld media, also spoke at the event, saying, "I respect Sri Sri Esha Vittaldas Swamiji and all religious leaders. He is not just a religious guru but also a teacher of cultural and social values and a humble human being. For three years, I was invited to this event but could not attend. Even today, I had to attend an award function, but I felt this was the best use of my time. We need two things in life: satisfaction and humanity. Sathish Bandale possesses these qualities. He was an actor but left his acting career to join Srimanta Raja Guliga Kshetra. Although we were sad that he is no longer in films, he continues to help people in his new role. During COVID, when everyone was at home, Sathish used to come to our office to help people, and I realized there was something special in him. I pray God gives him the strength to continue his good work. I started living in Bondel and always regretted the foul smell, but as soon as Sangeetha became the corporator, this problem was resolved. I hope she becomes the next mayor of the city."
On this occasion, achievers from various fields were honoured, and grants were distributed to the disabled.
The event was attended by mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur, MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty, former mayor Jayanand Anchan, Ullal block Congress leader Prakash Kumpala, corporator Sangeetha R Nayak, Tulu cine and theatre director Vijay Kumar Kodialbail, senior Tulu artiste Sarojini Shetty, and Nannma Kavitha Rao Mullakadu, among others.